The solution for the loss of meeting space won't be "go back to church, even if you don't believe". The number one reason people have left faith is they no longer believed, yes, but religion has also left a bad taste in people's mouths. The next several reasons on the list in the Pew study after loss of belief are all deal breaker level issues that make "go anyway" a no go answer for a whole lot of religious nones.
Agreed. I had trouble squaring the guest's view of church as both (a) a welcoming low-key "third space" and source of community support and (b) a place where occasional attendees are mostly gone and only the true believers are left.
I thought it was nice that his experience was that the church ladies brought him soup when he had his baby. I got a load of judgement and scorn because I didn't follow the strict rules the church set up.
The solution for the loss of meeting space won't be "go back to church, even if you don't believe". The number one reason people have left faith is they no longer believed, yes, but religion has also left a bad taste in people's mouths. The next several reasons on the list in the Pew study after loss of belief are all deal breaker level issues that make "go anyway" a no go answer for a whole lot of religious nones.
Agreed. I had trouble squaring the guest's view of church as both (a) a welcoming low-key "third space" and source of community support and (b) a place where occasional attendees are mostly gone and only the true believers are left.
I thought it was nice that his experience was that the church ladies brought him soup when he had his baby. I got a load of judgement and scorn because I didn't follow the strict rules the church set up.
I greatly dislike organized religion, but I am a person of Faith - I believe in God.
The beach is my church, and the Pacific Ocean is my pastor.
This discussion was very reaffirming.